Summary details for Marpissa muscosa (Clerck, 1757)

Distribution

The species is widespread in south-eastern England, with a few scattered records further west and north. It is widespread in north-western and central Europe, but has not been recorded from Ireland.

Habitat and ecology

The spider occurs mostly under loose bark on trees, on paling fences, posts, hop poles, etc, but in south-east Dorset it is common under flat stones on the tops of dry-stone walls. Adults of both sexes are found from April to September, and females possibly most of the year.

Status

The species is common on dry-stone walls in south-east Dorset and frequent in some areas in the south-east of England. Elsewhere it is local and generally rather uncommon

Threats

The loss of dry-stone walls through disrepair and loss of continuity in the availability of old paling fences and old trees with suitable bark. The possible invasion of its dry-stone wall habitat by Steatoda nobilis could have a severe effect on population levels.

Management and conservation

Maintain networks of old dry stone walls and ensure a continuity of suitable fence and tree bark habitats. Text based on Dawson, I.K., Harvey, P.R., Merrett, P. & Russell-Smith, A.R. (in prep.).